State Sen. Emily Couric (D-Charlottesville) announced in a press conference on Thursday that she is dropping out of the race for lieutenant governor because she has pancreatic cancer.
Couric was diagnosed last Wednesday, and said the cancer has spread.
Couric has been raising money for her bid for the 2001 lieutenant governor election.
"I like to give my very best to any effort I take on," she said in a statement. "And in these circumstances, I simply cannot do that. I must devote the necessary time to deal with a top priority, which is my health."
She added that she will continue to serve as state senator for the 25th district.
"I have been so honored to serve the citizens of this district, and I cherish their friendship," Couric said.
University gov. and foreign affairs professor Larry J. Sabato said he feels terrible about Couric's announcement.
"Emily is at the peak of her powers," Sabato said. "She was just starting to reach for the brass ring and I think she would have grabbed it successfully in 2001."
He said she was very good for the University and a strong supporter of higher education.
"If anybody can beat [the disease], she can," he added.
A state senator since 1996, Couric, 53, is sister to NBC's Today show host Katie Couric, a University graduate. Emily Couric graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts.
The average life expectancy after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is 3 to 6 months, according to the Ronald S. Hirshberg Memorial Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research Web site.
Craig Bieber, executive director of the State Democratic Party, said it is too early to speculate who will seek the lieutenant governor nomination.
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